Botswana Makes Historic World Championships Victory in Men’s 4x400m Relay and Declares National Holiday

Table of Contents

• Historic Victory in Men's 4x400m Relay
• Team Members and Race Details
• President Celebrates and Declares Holiday
• Botswana's Sports History Milestone
• Botswana's International Athletics Status
• Conclusion

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Historic Victory in Men's 4x400m Relay

On September 21, 2025, at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Botswana achieved a historic victory in the Men's 4x400 meters relay at the World Athletics Championships, finishing with a time of 2 minutes 57.76 seconds. This gold medal marks the first ever World Athletics gold medal for Botswana and the first 4x400m relay gold for any African nation.

The stadium was filled with excitement as fans from all over the world witnessed Botswana's unprecedented success. The team overcame tremendous pressure and competition from traditionally dominant countries to claim their place in history.

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Team Members and Race Details

The race took place under heavy rainfall, making the track wet and challenging. Botswana's team showed exceptional resilience and coordination, narrowly defeating the United States by only 0.07 seconds while also surpassing South Africa to secure the gold medal.

The team consisted of the following athletes:

• Le BekeMpilo Eppy
• Letsile Tebogo
• Bayapo Ndori
• Busang Collen Kebinatshipi

Letile Tebogo, who ran the second leg, had previously won the gold medal in the Men's 200 meters at the Paris Olympics last year. His performance was pivotal in maintaining Botswana’s momentum and securing the historic win.

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President Celebrates and Declares Holiday

Botswana’s President, Dr. Duma Boko, praised the team during an online address and described the victory as "a historic achievement for Africa." To honor the team’s accomplishment, he declared Monday, September 29, the day before Botswana’s Independence Day, a national holiday so that citizens could celebrate this remarkable achievement.

President Boko, while attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasized that "Botswana's natural diamonds are not only underground but are also represented by world champion athletes," highlighting the symbolic significance of this victory for the nation.

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Botswana's Sports History Milestone

This achievement follows last year's historic gold medal by Letsile Tebogo in the Men's 200 meters at the Paris Olympics, marking the first time an African athlete had won in this event. Tebogo’s return home sparked nationwide celebrations at the National Stadium in Gaborone, with tens of thousands gathering to honor the champion.

The 4x400m relay gold continues to enhance Botswana's sports legacy and represents a moment of pride and unity for the nation, demonstrating the country’s growing prominence in international athletics.

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Botswana's International Athletics Status

With this gold medal, Botswana has established itself on the world stage, surpassing other African nations. South Africa earned 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal at the championships, achieving its best result and ranking fifth overall. Botswana’s emergence as a competitive force in athletics highlights the increasing influence of African nations in global sports.

This historic win is expected to inspire future generations of athletes in Botswana and across Africa, creating a new era of ambition, excellence, and international recognition for the country.

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Conclusion

Botswana’s gold medal in the Men's 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships represents a landmark achievement in the nation's sporting history. The President’s declaration of a national holiday ensures that citizens can collectively celebrate this accomplishment, symbolizing national pride and unity.

This victory not only strengthens Botswana’s international athletic status but also sets the stage for continued success and global recognition in future competitions. The story of Botswana’s athletes serves as an inspiring example of determination, teamwork, and national ambition.